Darlowo - Kościół św. Gertrudy

Darlowo (Rügenwalde) was a trading point already in the 11th century, prorected by a fortress named Dirlow. The town, that evolved was destroyed in 1283 during a local war- It got rebuilt and received its city rights (Lübsches Stadtrecht) in 1312. The town passed to the Duchy of Pomerania in 1347 and over the years Dukes constructed a Ducal Castle on a nearby island and chose it as their seat.

In 1412 Rügenwalde (Darlowo) became part of the Hanseatic League and had its own trade fleet, larger than in other surrounding towns. Boats and ships owned by local merchants travelled as far as Normandy and Spain.

At the end of the 14th century a couple of St. Gertrudis hospitals were founded in Pomerania. This was among them. It was built in 1406 dedicated to the care of the poor, the sick and travelers.

St. Gertrude's Church is a late Gothic central building. There are actually four such buildings in Pomerania. I had seen St. Gertrude's Chapel in Koszalin (Köslin) before.